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Apple Just Killed Off One of the Last MacBook Accessories from the Steve Jobs Era

After 16 years, Apple’s CD-ripping and DVD-playing MacBook accessory is about to go bye-bye.

Apple USB SuperDriveApple

By Tucker Bowe

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Apple hasn’t sold a MacBook with an actual CD/Drive drive in almost eight years. The last one was the 13-inch MacBook Pro that was released in mid-2012, which Apple sold until late 2016.

Ever since, if you wanted to rip a CD or play a DVD on your MacBook, you’d have to get an external accessory — like Apple’s own USB SuperDrive.

Believe it or not, Apple has continued to sell this old-school accessory for the last 16 years … but this appears to finally be coming to an end.

End of an Era

Apple first introduced the USB SuperDrive in 2008 alongside the original MacBook Air — omitting the CD/DVD drive was one of the things that helped Apple introduce “the world’s thinnest notebook.”

At the time, Apple didn’t think people would need an actual CD/DVD drive — they could “wirelessly rent movies from the iTunes Store” instead. Clearly, it didn’t foresee the resurgence of physical media.

Admittedly, there are other external USB CD/DVD drives you can buy for your MacBook today. In fact, most newer options will be more convenient (and cheaper) than the Apple USB SuperDrive as it has a USB-A connection — you’ll need a USB-C adapter to connect it to a newer MacBook.

But if you’re dead set on getting a MacBook accessory that’s made by Apple, it’s probably the last time you’re going to buy the USB SuperDrive. So act fast.

Last Chance Saloon

As first spotted by 9to5Mac, you can’t buy the USB SuperDrive from Apple’s Online Store any more — it’s listed as “Sold Out.” It appears that some brick-and-mortar stores still have it in stock, which you can see when you select the “Pick up, in store” option on the product page.

While it’s not official just yet, it appears that Apple is on the verge of discontinuing the USB SuperDrive.

If you’re looking to get your hands on one of the last “new” USB SuperDrives, you’re not totally out of luck just yet. You can pick one up from third-party sellers, including Amazon and B&H Photo, while they’re still in stock.

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